Proposals could help save 3 key issues in GA session

When Virginia's budget is tight, even proposals that have broad support must sit on the shelf. But that doesn't mean that supporters will sit on their hands and do nothing.

Consider three distinct issues: In the environment, preserving open space. In health care, prescription-drug assistance for the elderly and disabled. In mental health, a general reform of the system.

Each one could fall victim to grim budget realities of the 2002 General Assembly session, yet in each case, legislators and advocates say they'll try to find ways to bridge the gap.

Consider open space, a goal of environmentalists for the past couple of years. Supporters say it reduces urban sprawl, protects endangered species and saves historically valuable land. Its allies include House Speaker S. Vance Wilkins Jr. and Gov.-elect Mark R. Warner.

But as legislators set priorities in public safety, pay raises and education, they might not have the cash to immediately finance the open-space program.

"The real question is whether, in this session, that legislation will finally pass," said Joe Maroon, executive director of the Virginia chapter of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. "Perhaps a delayed implementation would be a way to make it palatable, but ultimately, it needs to get done."

The possible bridge: a borrowing plan recommended by a General Assembly study group. It would generate $459 million for environmental projects if voters approve. Included would be $200 million to preserve open space, either by purchasing the land outright or buying the development rights from the owner. It also includes $96.9 million to upgrade sewage-treatment plants, $9.8 million for dam safety and $152.5 million for state parks.

Prescription-drug assistance for the needy has been the goal of several legislators, including Republican Del. Harvey B. Morgan of Middlesex, a retired pharmacist. Last year, he proposed creating a program modeled on one operating in Delaware. The legislation died in a budget committee.

Morgan has introduced the bill for the coming session, even if he's not optimistic about its chances.

"I think if we don't keep it on the front burner," he said, "the attention wanes."

One possible bridge: increasing the use of software that speeds paperwork for community health centers and free clinics that provide free drugs to the poor. Morgan has seen this program work firsthand, and he wants to expand the software's use.

"What we're trying to do," he said, "is make it available to more locations and more sources."

Mental-health reform would shift Virginia's system from one based on institutions to one based on community care. It's a mammoth issue that involves several constituencies. Last year, an effort led by Gov. Jim Gilmore ran aground when community groups and legislators in the affected areas felt left out of the process.

Mental-health reform is also a budget issue because the state must provide money during the transition. If the money isn't available this year, now is the time to start building that ever-elusive consensus, one mental-health advocate says.

Valerie Marsh, executive director of the Virginia chapter of National Alliance for the Mentally Ill, would like to see a task force that unites all the interested groups. Rather than study the issue again, the group could discuss the practical challenges in restructuring the system and bring in people from other states where it's worked.

"Since this is a bad year for money," she said, "it's a good time to talk about how to maximize resources."